Taipei City, Taiwan
Here’s a tailored 5-night itinerary for Taipei, incorporating your requested destinations and adding some top recommendations for sightseeing, dining, and cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Ximending & Longshan Temple
Morning
• Check into your hotel and rest.
• Start your day at Ximending, Taipei’s bustling shopping and entertainment district.
• What to Do: Explore quirky shops, street performances, and pop-culture hubs.
• Snack Stops:
• Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodles (阿宗麵線): Famous for their savory noodle soup.
• Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken: Iconic street food in Taipei.
Afternoon
• Visit Longshan Temple, a serene and historical temple built in 1738.
• Don’t miss the intricate carvings and traditional architecture.
Evening
• Head to Taipei 101 in time to see the sunset from the observation deck (tickets can be booked in advance).
• Alternative for Photos: Walk to the nearby Elephant Mountain trail for an excellent view of Taipei 101 at sunset.
• Dinner: Dine at Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) inside Taipei 101. Famous for xiao long bao (soup dumplings), noodles, and other Taiwanese specialties.
Day 2: Day Trip to Jiufen & Shilin Night Market
Morning
• Travel to Jiufen, a picturesque mountain town that inspired the visuals in Spirited Away.
• What to Do:
• Wander along Jiufen Old Street, filled with teahouses and street food stalls.
• Try taro balls from A Gan Yi Taro Ball and peanut ice cream wraps.
• Visit the Jiufen Tea Houses (e.g., A-Mei Tea House) for tea with stunning views of the coastline.
Afternoon
• Take a short detour to Shifen to release a sky lantern on the railway tracks and visit Shifen Waterfall, often called the “Niagara of Taiwan.”
Evening
• Return to Taipei and explore Shilin Night Market, the largest and most famous night market.
• Food Highlights:
• Hao Da Chicken Steak (豪大大雞排)
• Fried Milk Balls
• Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
Day 3: Relaxation at Beitou Hot Springs & Raohe Night Market
Morning
• Take the MRT to Beitou, Taiwan’s hot spring hub.
• What to Do:
• Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn about its history.
• Relax in a public hot spring or splurge on a private one at resorts like Grand View Resort Beitou.
• Lunch: Enjoy light Taiwanese meals at The Restaurant at Villa 32 or try a simple local eatery nearby.
Afternoon
• Visit Thermal Valley (Hell Valley), a geothermal hot spring emitting steam.
Evening
• Head to Raohe Night Market, known for its more traditional Taiwanese vibes.
• Must-Try Foods:
• Fuzhou Pepper Buns (福州胡椒餅), sold right at the entrance.
• Grilled squid, Taiwanese sausages, and herbal pork rib soup.
• Sweet potato balls or mochi desserts for a sweet ending.
Day 4: Elephant Mountain Hike and Local Exploration
Morning
• Start early with a hike up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan). The trail is well-paved but steep, taking 20–30 minutes to reach breathtaking views of Taipei’s skyline, with Taipei 101 as the star.
• Pro tip: Bring water and come early to avoid the heat.
Afternoon
• Explore the nearby Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. A former tobacco factory turned into a hub for art exhibitions, shops, and cafes.
Evening
• Enjoy modern Taiwanese cuisine at Raw, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its creative takes on local flavors (reservation needed).
Day 5: Final Exploration and Departure
Morning
• Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an iconic landmark with beautiful gardens and historical exhibits.
• Watch the hourly changing of the guards.
Afternoon
• Stop by Dihua Street, known for its historic shophouses and traditional goods.
• Pick up tea, dried fruits, or souvenirs.
Lunch: Visit Mitsui Japanese Cuisine for a top-notch sushi and sashimi meal, or enjoy a casual Taiwanese beef noodle soup at Yongkang Beef Noodles (永康牛肉麵).
Evening
• Take a leisurely stroll in Da’an Forest Park, a serene green space in the heart of the city.
Dinner: Conclude with a fusion meal at The Top, a rooftop restaurant in Yangmingshan offering sweeping views of Taipei.